Quick answer: In Louisiana, the judicial interest rate is set each year by the Commissioner of Financial Institutions (7.50% for calendar year 2026). DCFS can start license suspension when an obligor is more than 90 days in arrears, with 20 days to object. Past-due installments cannot be modified retroactively.
This Louisiana child support arrears calculator adds up the unpaid principal, lets you test an interest rate based on the judicial rate set under La. R.S. 13:4202 and flags the 90-day license trigger and the $2,500 passport threshold. The sections we read do not state how judicial interest attaches to past-due support, so interest defaults to zero.
Louisiana child support arrears and interest at a glance
| Rule | What Louisiana says |
|---|---|
| Judicial interest rate | Set yearly by the Commissioner of Financial Institutions at 3.25 points above the Federal Reserve discount rate; 7.50% for calendar year 2026 (La. R.S. 13:4202(B)) |
| Compliance for license action | An obligor is in compliance if no more than 90 days in arrears (R.S. 9:315.31) |
| DCFS notice | Notice of child support delinquency by certified mail; 20 days to object in writing (9:315.41; 9:315.42) |
| Certification | If no objection or written payment agreement and not in compliance, DCFS certifies noncompliance to the licensing authority (9:315.44) |
| Licenses | Professional, occupational and business licenses, motor vehicle operation and sporting licenses including fishing and hunting (9:315.31) |
| Retroactive changes | Never before the date of judicial demand (9:315.21(C)) |
How do child support arrears work in Louisiana?
- Interest and method. See the Louisiana child support interest rate.
- Collection. See what happens if you do not pay child support in Louisiana.
- Time limits and forgiveness. See whether Louisiana child support arrears expire or can be forgiven.
What does this arrears calculator check?
You enter the monthly support and the number of installments unpaid, and optionally a rate to test. The calculator adds simple interest from each due date only if you enter a rate, and flags the 90-day license trigger (about four missed monthly payments) and the $2,500 passport line. It does not model partial payments. To change the amount going forward, see the Louisiana child support modification calculator, and for when the obligation stops, the Louisiana child support end date calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the interest rate on child support arrears in Louisiana?
The judicial interest rate is set each year by the Commissioner of Financial Institutions; it is 7.50% for calendar year 2026. Ask the court or DCFS how it applies to your arrears.
How long can I be behind before Louisiana acts on my license?
An obligor more than 90 days in arrears is not in compliance for license suspension purposes.
How long do I have to object to a Louisiana license suspension notice?
Twenty days after receipt of the notice of child support delinquency, in writing, to request an administrative hearing.
Can I avoid a Louisiana license suspension with a payment plan?
Yes. If you enter into a written agreement with DCFS to make periodic payments on the arrearage, the department does not certify noncompliance on that ground.
Which Louisiana licenses can be suspended?
Professional, occupational and business licenses, driver's licenses and motor vehicle registrations and sporting licenses including fishing and hunting.
Official sources
- La. R.S. 13:4202: rates of judicial interest
- La. R.S. 9:315.31: license suspension definitions
- La. R.S. 9:315.41: notice of child support delinquency
- La. R.S. 9:315.42: objection to suspension
- La. R.S. 9:315.44: certification of noncompliance
- La. R.S. 9:315.24: enforcement; revocatory and oblique actions
- 15 U.S.C. 1673: restriction on garnishment
- 42 U.S.C. 652(k): denial of passports